India vs Pakistan: No-handshake policy continues in Women’s World Cup

In a continuation of the no-handshake policy during India-Pakistan cricket clashes, captains Harmanpreet Kaur of India and Fatima Sana of Pakistan maintained their distance during the toss.

The incident took place ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match held in Colombo on Sunday.

This ongoing practice highlights the cautious approach both teams are adopting amidst the intense rivalry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-pakistan-no-handshake-policy-continues-in-women-s-wc/story

India vs Pakistan: No-handshake policy continues in Women’s World Cup

In a continuation of the no-handshake policy in India-Pakistan cricket clashes, captains Harmanpreet Kaur (India) and Fatima Sana (Pakistan) maintained their distance during the toss for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup match.

The game took place in Colombo on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two teams amid diplomatic sensitivities.

This incident reflects the broader context of cautious interactions between Indian and Pakistani players in recent cricket encounters, where traditional handshakes have often been replaced with nods or other non-contact greetings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-pakistan-no-handshake-policy-continues-in-women-s-wc/story

No method to Netanyahu’s madness

The United Nations 80th General Assembly should have been the stage to discuss the future of peace in the age of artificial intelligence. Sadly, it turned out to be one of the most divisive sessions, dominated by Palestine rather than Israel. The gathering proved that Palestine cannot be brushed aside as an idea, even if a world power stands firmly behind Israel.

Not many member states were eager to listen to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26—not least Hamas, the enemy he has been obsessed with for the last two years. Netanyahu tried his best to address Hamas directly amid a boycott of his speech.

The biased Western media counted the boycotters in dozens, even as Netanyahu spoke to an almost empty United Nations General Assembly Hall. Diplomats from Arab and Muslim countries walked out, joined by counterparts from several African and some European countries.

The Israeli leader claimed that his intelligence had hacked cell phones across Gaza and used them to broadcast his speech. However, he had nothing new to tell the world or Hamas. He only demanded—for the umpteenth time—the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

Israel claims to be one of the world’s biggest technological forces, especially regarding military use. Fully backed by an even mightier United States, Israel has showcased some of its military gimmicks, like exploding pagers. So why, despite their military muscle and technological superiority, have they failed to secure the release of the remaining hostages?

How can they hope to achieve the even more ambitious target of eliminating Hamas?

Of the 48 hostages left in Gaza, Netanyahu says 20 may still be alive. Despite being focused on a 41-kilometer stretch of land for two years, his high-tech drones and well-armed ground forces have been unable to secure their release. Netanyahu has vowed he will not rest until all hostages have been brought home.

During his speech, the lapel of the Israeli leader’s suit carried a large white badge displaying a QR code. He encouraged people to zoom in and access the code, which leads to a website about the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This seemed to be an attempt to promote the perception that he remains obsessed with achieving the target he set some 730 days ago.

However, the world remains confused about his ultimate objective: is it finishing Hamas, killing all Palestinians, or creating Greater Israel?

The gimmickry continued in New York. According to Netanyahu’s office, they launched a public diplomacy campaign in New York City, organizing billboards and trucks displaying the message “Remember October 7” in Times Square and around the UN building.

Despite these efforts, Pew Research Center’s April 2025 report reveals that support for Israel among Americans has dropped significantly since the start of the Gaza war.

At the world’s biggest forum, Netanyahu stood exposed and more isolated than ever before. His policy inflexibility has forced some of his past allies to abandon him. A growing number of Western countries have found no other option but to recognize Palestinian statehood. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France have taken this belated decision—much to Netanyahu’s displeasure.

A few days before his appearance, on September 12, a vote took place in the UN General Assembly Hall. Out of 193 UN member states, amid resounding applause, 142 voted in favor of a declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution with Israel.

The New York Declaration was the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia. Ten nations, including Israel and the United States, opposed the declaration. The other eight countries opposing were Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga. Twelve nations abstained during the vote.

This shows how limited support Tel Aviv is left with.

Netanyahu’s diminishing support is not just about countries; it reflects a more fundamental change in American public opinion. According to Pew Research Center’s April 2025 report, support for Israel among Americans has dropped significantly since the start of the Gaza war. Only 54 percent of Americans now say that the Israeli-Palestinian war is relevant to them, an 11-point drop from 65 percent in January 2024. The percentage of people who believe the war is significant to U.S. national interests has also declined from 75 percent to 66 percent over the same period.

The U.S., Israel’s staunchest ally, is showing signs of fatigue. Former President Donald Trump stated earlier that any attempt by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank would be a red line for him.

Netanyahu still seems not to have grasped the message Western nations wanted to send: that enough is enough; Israel cannot have an indefinite license to kill; there are limits, and those limits have been crossed.

His speech, full of spin and allegations of anti-Semitism, was not heard by many. He is now isolated. The sooner he realizes this, the better it may be for him and for world peace.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed. The question now is: how much more killing is needed?

Netanyahu’s speech lacked a roadmap. For those hoping for world peace, that was the most alarming element.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348318-no-method-to-netanyahus-madness

No method to Netanyahu’s madness

The United Nations 80th General Assembly should have been the stage to discuss the future of peace in the age of artificial intelligence. Sadly, it turned out to be one of the most divisive sessions, dominated by Palestine rather than Israel. The gathering proved that Palestine cannot be brushed aside as an idea, even if you have a world power at your back.

Not many member states were eager to listen to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26—especially Hamas, the enemy he has been obsessed with for the last two years. Netanyahu tried his best to address Hamas directly amid a boycott of his speech. However, the biased Western media counted the boycotters in dozens, even as Netanyahu spoke to an almost empty United Nations General Assembly Hall after diplomats from Arab and Muslim countries walked out, along with counterparts from several African and some European countries.

The Israeli leader claimed that his intelligence had hacked cell phones across Gaza and used them to play his speech. Despite this dramatic claim, he had nothing new to tell the world or Hamas. He only demanded—for the umpteenth time—the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel claims to be one of the world’s biggest technological forces in terms of military use and is fully backed by the mightier United States. We have seen some of their gimmicks—exploding pagers, for instance. So why, despite their military muscle and technical superiority, have they failed to secure the release of the remaining hostages? How can they achieve the even more ambitious target of eliminating Hamas?

Of the 48 hostages left in Gaza, Netanyahu says 20 may still be alive. Despite focusing on a 41-kilometre stretch of land for two years, his high-tech drones and well-armed ground forces have been unable to secure their release. The Prime Minister has vowed that he will not rest until all hostages have been brought home.

In a notable gesture, the lapel of Netanyahu’s suit bore a large white badge displaying a QR code. He encouraged people to scan it, which leads to a website about the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This appears to be an attempt to promote the perception that he remains obsessed with achieving the target he set himself around 730 days ago. However, the world remains confused about his ultimate objective: finishing Hamas, killing all Palestinians, or creating Greater Israel.

The gimmickry continued in New York. According to Netanyahu’s office, a public diplomacy campaign was organized in New York City, featuring billboards and trucks displaying the message: “Remember October 7” in Times Square and around the UN building.

Meanwhile, public support is shifting. According to Pew Research Center’s April 2025 report, support for Israel among Americans has dropped significantly since the start of the Gaza war. Despite all the political maneuvering, Netanyahu stood exposed at the world’s biggest forum, more isolated than ever. His policy inflexibility has forced some of his past allies to abandon him, and a growing number of Western countries feel compelled to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France have taken belated steps to recognize Palestine, much to Netanyahu’s displeasure. A few days before his appearance, on September 12, a vote took place in the UN General Assembly Hall. Out of 193 UN member states, 142 voted in favor of a declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution with Israel amid resounding applause.

The “New York Declaration” was the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia. Ten nations, including Israel and the United States, opposed the declaration. This clearly shows how limited support Tel Aviv now enjoys. The other eight countries opposing were Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga. Twelve countries abstained from the vote.

Netanyahu’s diminishing support is not just about countries; it reflects a more fundamental change in American public opinion. Pew’s April 2025 report highlights that only 54 percent of Americans now say the Israeli-Palestinian war is relevant to them—a drop of 11 points from 65 percent in January 2024. Those who believe the war is significant to US national interests have declined from 75 percent to 66 percent over the same period.

The United States, Israel’s staunchest ally, is showing signs of fatigue. Former President Donald Trump stated that any attempt by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank would be a red line for him.

Despite all these signals, Netanyahu has yet to grasp the message Western nations sent through the rising recognition of Palestinian statehood: enough is enough. Israel cannot have an indefinite license to kill. There is a limit—and it has been crossed.

His speech, full of spin and allegations of anti-Semitism, went largely unheard. He is now isolated, and the sooner he realizes this, the better it may be for him—and for world peace.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed. The question now remains: how much more killing is needed?

Netanyahu’s speech lacked a roadmap. For those rooting for world peace, that is the most alarming element of all.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348318-no-method-to-netanyahus-madness

No method to Netanyahu’s madness

The United Nations 80th General Assembly should have been a stage to discuss the future of peace in the age of artificial intelligence. Sadly, it turned out to be one of the most divisive sessions, dominated by Palestine rather than Israel. This gathering proved that Palestine cannot be brushed aside as an idea, even when backed by a world power.

Not many member states were eager to listen to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26 — not least Hamas, the enemy he has been obsessed with for the last two years. Netanyahu tried his best to address Hamas directly, despite a boycott of his speech.

The biased Western media counted the boycotters in dozens, even as Netanyahu spoke to an almost empty General Assembly Hall. Diplomats from Arab and Muslim countries walked out, joined by counterparts from several African and some European nations. The Israeli leader claimed that his intelligence agencies had hacked cell phones across Gaza and used them to broadcast his speech. However, he offered nothing new to the world or to Hamas. He only demanded, for the umpteenth time, the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

Israel claims to be one of the world’s leading technological powers, especially in military applications. It enjoys full backing from the mightier United States. We have seen some of their high-tech gimmicks—exploding pagers, for instance. So why, despite this military muscle and technical superiority, have they failed to secure the release of the remaining hostages? And how can they hope to achieve the even more ambitious goal of eliminating Hamas?

Of the 48 hostages left in Gaza, Netanyahu says 20 may still be alive. Despite focusing on the narrow 41-kilometre stretch of land for two years, his high-tech drones and well-armed ground forces have been unable to rescue them. Netanyahu has vowed that he will not rest until all hostages have been brought home.

During his address, the Israeli leader wore a large white badge on his lapel displaying a QR code. He encouraged the audience to scan it, linking to a website about the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This seemed to be an attempt to promote the perception that he remains obsessed with the objective he set nearly 730 days ago.

However, the world remains confused about his ultimate goals: Is it finishing Hamas, killing all Palestinians, or creating Greater Israel? The gimmickry continued in New York. Netanyahu’s office organized a public diplomacy campaign in the city, including billboards and trucks displaying the message: “Remember October 7” in Times Square and near the UN building.

Meanwhile, support for Israel among Americans has dropped significantly since the start of the Gaza war. According to Pew Research Center’s April 2025 report, Netanyahu appeared more isolated than ever at the world’s biggest forum. His policy inflexibility has alienated some former allies. A growing number of Western countries feel compelled to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France have made this belated decision, much to Netanyahu’s displeasure.

Just days before his appearance, on September 12, a vote took place at the UN General Assembly. Out of 193 member states, 142 voted in favor of a declaration calling for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question and the implementation of a two-state solution with Israel. The “New York Declaration” was a result of an international conference held at UN Headquarters in July, organized by France and Saudi Arabia.

Ten nations, including Israel and the United States, opposed the declaration. The other eight opposing countries were Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga. Twelve nations abstained from the vote. This outcome clearly shows the limited support Tel Aviv currently enjoys.

Netanyahu’s diminishing support is not limited to countries—it reflects a fundamental shift in American public opinion. The Pew Research Center’s report highlights that only 54 percent of Americans now say the Israeli-Palestinian war is relevant to them, marking an 11-point drop since January 2024. Moreover, those who believe the conflict is significant to U.S. national interests have decreased from 75 to 66 percent.

The United States, Israel’s staunchest ally, is showing signs of fatigue. Former President Donald Trump declared that any Israeli attempt to annex parts of the West Bank would be a red line for him. Despite these signals, Netanyahu has yet to grasp the message Western nations are sending through long-overdue recognition of Palestinian statehood: enough is enough. Israel cannot have an indefinite license to kill; there are limits—and those limits have been crossed.

His speech, filled with spin and allegations of anti-Semitism, went largely unheard. Netanyahu is increasingly isolated, and the sooner he realizes this, the better it may be—for him and for world peace.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed. The pressing question remains: How much more killing is needed?

Above all, Netanyahu’s speech lacked a clear roadmap. For those rooting for peace, that absence was the most alarming element of all.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348318-no-method-to-netanyahus-madness

US Treasury Department mulls minting USD 1 Trump coin

The Treasury Department is considering producing a one-dollar coin featuring US President Donald Trump to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence next year, a spokesperson said, according to Politico.

The draft design of the coin, overseen by the Office of the US Treasurer Brandon Beach, features Trump’s profile on one side. The opposite side depicts Trump with a clenched fist in front of an American flag alongside the words “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT,” as reported by Politico.

“Despite the radical left’s forced shutdown of our government, the facts are clear: Under the historic leadership of President Donald J. Trump, our nation is entering its 250th anniversary stronger, more prosperous, and better than ever before,” a Treasury Department spokesperson said in a statement.

“While a final USD 1 coin design has not yet been selected to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial, this first draft reflects well the enduring spirit of our country and democracy, even in the face of immense obstacles,” the spokesperson added.

Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2020, signed by Trump during his first term, authorizing the Treasury Secretary to issue one-dollar coins during the 2026 calendar year. The design of these coins must be “emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial,” according to Politico.

It is notable that living people are rarely featured on US currency. Congress has imposed various restrictions on the Treasury’s ability to feature living individuals, including living presidents, on money. It remains unclear whether the latest Trump coin envisioned by the Treasury Department would comply with these laws.

When asked about the coin on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters she was unsure whether Trump was aware of the effort to put his likeness on a coin. “I’m not sure if he’s seen it but I’m sure he’ll love it,” she said, according to Politico.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-treasury-department-mulls-minting-usd-1-trump-coin-23597277

‘They dragged little Greta by her hair,’ Turkish flotilla activist claims – report

Several activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla have accused Israeli forces of mistreatment following the interception of the fleet. Among the allegations are claims that Israel provided little food and water to the detainees and placed them in cells “infested with bugs.”

One activist recounted a particularly distressing incident, stating, “They dragged little Greta by her hair.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla included prominent activists such as Swedish environmental advocate Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila. Both were aboard a vessel en route to Israel when their group was intercepted.

The image released on October 2, 2025, shows Greta Thunberg and Thiago Avila seated on the vessel during their journey as part of the flotilla.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-869405

‘Maharashtra Needs Freedom Of Religion Act To Curb Forced Conversions’: All India Saints Committee

**Thane: All India Saints Committee Calls for Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra**

The All India Saints Committee, an organisation representing Hindu religious leaders, has called for the enactment of a Freedom of Religion Act in Maharashtra. This legislation would be similar to laws passed by other states, aimed at stopping religious conversions carried out through force, temptation, or deceit.

Addressing the media at the Government Rest House in Thane on Saturday, Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of the All India Saints Committee, Varanasi, emphasized India’s greatness lies in its religious diversity and traditions.

### Freedom Facing Crisis Due to Conversions

“The foundation of this diversity is freedom of religion, which grants every individual the right to live according to their faith and adopt their own way of worship. However, this freedom is facing a serious crisis in the form of religious conversion,” Maharaj said.

He added, “Conversions done through deceit, force, or temptation are not only a violation of an individual’s personal freedom but also an attack on the cultural identity of society.”

### Constitutional Rights with Reasonable Limits

Citing the Indian Constitution, Maharaj explained, “Religious freedom is guaranteed under Article 25, but it is subject to public order, morality, and health. This means that every individual can hold their own faith and propagate it, but not by infringing on others’ rights.”

He stressed that converting communities rooted in Indian culture through allurements is not religious freedom but “a modern form of religious servitude.”

### Forced Conversions Are a Crime, Not Freedom

“Forced conversions are not freedom, but a crime,” Maharaj asserted. “History bears witness that conversions done through deceit, force, or lure have led to division and conflict in society. In medieval times, conversions forced by the sword destroyed countless Indian traditions. Today, foreign funding and missionary activity target villages, forests, and impoverished areas,” he said.

He further added that the aim of the proposed Freedom of Religion Act is not to restrict genuine faith but to prevent conversions through coercion, deceit, or allurements.

### Law Should Ensure Transparency in Conversions

“According to these laws, if someone genuinely wishes to change their religion of their own free will, they should inform the administration to ensure that no pressure or inducement is involved,” he explained.

Swami Jitendranandaji Maharaj concluded by urging the Maharashtra government to consider similar legislation to protect social harmony and uphold the spirit of constitutional freedom.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-needs-freedom-of-religion-act-to-curb-forced-conversions-all-india-saints-committee

Istanbul cancels Robbie Williams concert over safety fears following anti-Israel activist pressure

**Istanbul Cancels Robbie Williams Concert Over Safety Fears Following Anti-Israel Activist Pressure**

Istanbul authorities have canceled Robbie Williams’ upcoming concert in the city following online backlash. The singer was labeled a Zionist due to his ties to Israel and his Jewish family, leading to concerns over safety.

The decision came amid pressure from anti-Israel activists who campaigned against the show, prompting officials to reconsider the event to avoid potential security risks.

Robbie Williams was recently seen performing at the FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, 2025. This cancellation marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions related to artists’ political associations.

*Illustrative photo credit: REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR*
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/bds-threat/article-869407

Trump plans to deploy National Guard in Illinois, governor says

The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday. Pritzker revealed that the guard received word from the Pentagon in the morning that the troops would be called up. He did not specify when or where they would be deployed, but President Donald Trump has long threatened to send troops to Chicago.

“This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will.”

A spokesperson for the governor’s office said she could not provide additional details. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to questions about Pritzker’s statement.

The escalation of federal law enforcement in Illinois follows similar deployments in other parts of the country. Over the summer, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Tennessee National Guard troops are expected to help Memphis police.

In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued to stop the deployment in Los Angeles and won a temporary block in federal court. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling, which deemed the use of the guard illegal. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has indicated that it believes the government is likely to prevail.

Pritzker called Trump’s move in Illinois a “manufactured performance” that would pull the state’s National Guard troops away from their families and regular jobs. “For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” said the governor.

He also noted that state, county, and local law enforcement have been coordinating to ensure the safety of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Broadview facility on the outskirts of Chicago. Federal officials reported the arrests of 13 people protesting near the facility on Friday. The facility has been frequently targeted during the administration’s surge of immigration enforcement this fall.

Last month, Trump said he was sending federal troops to Portland, Oregon, calling the city war-ravaged. However, local officials have suggested that many of his claims and social media posts appear to rely on outdated images from 2020, a time when demonstrations and unrest gripped the city following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

City and state officials sued to stop that deployment the next day. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut heard arguments Friday, with a ruling expected over the weekend.

Trump has federalized 200 National Guard troops in Oregon, but so far, they do not appear to have moved into Portland. They have been seen training on the coast in anticipation of deployment.

___
Associated Press reporter Rebecca Boone contributed.
Thomas Peipert, The Associated Press
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-plans-deploy-national-guard-191248616.html

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